People were overwhelmed with amazement. “He has done everything well,” they said. “He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.” – Mark 7:37 In Part One of the secret to recovery, we learned how God will powerfully work through our weaknesses to help us get better.

God provides us with many ways to overcome and each one is essential. We sometimes get a laser focus on just one area and leave behind other important recovery pieces.

Here is another “secret” I find in the Scriptures that you may find helpful in your recovery journey – do everything at once.

Today I want to discuss the “secret” of throwing everything at your problem instead of looking for that “just perfect” solution.

I know I’ve spent energy chasing down a solution (diets, the latest greatest, the newest book on the market, etc.) to my problems only to find them wanting. Often they are good solutions, but not enough to get the job done.

Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty. – Proverbs 28:19

Allow me to share a personal story on how I learned this lesson. I fly quite a bit as I visit churches around the world with the In Motion Counselling seminars. Unfortunately, on many of these flights, I experienced excruciating pain in my ears upon the airplane’s descent. It became so debilitating that I considered giving up the visits.

So I did research and sought solutions. I talked to others and heard many solutions which I tried. I chewed gum. I learned how to “pop” my ears. I used nasal sprays. I tried special earplugs. And I prayed. Nothing seemed to help and I grew frustrated and discouraged.

Then I shared my issue with our school nurse, Stacy. After listening to me she simply said, “Tim, do them all at once!”

So on my next flight I was armed with ALL the various solutions and took them all at once…and it worked! I was so happy, but cautious. Then another flight went well, and another. For the past two years of flying, I have not had the problem with my ears, as long as I do everything, at once.

I know that sounds simple enough and at first I thought the same. When you are in the middle of your problem, it is sometimes hard to hear yet another “solution.”

How about you and your recovery? Do you do everything needed? At the Disciples In Motion meetings, we consistently speak about our four hallmarks:

  1. Renewing Your Walk with Jesus
  2. Working a Program
  3. Engaging a Mentor
  4. Nurturing a Dream

We believe that all four of these must be daily realities in order for us to improve. This becomes the hard work of recovery and where we often find success. Everything at once.

This week take a hard look at your recovery and ask yourself two questions:

  1. Is there something missing that I have not included in my recovery plan?
  2. Am I consistently implementing them all?

Seek advice. Do your research. Pray. Faithfully, effectively, and efficiently apply everything at once. Keep at it and don’t give up.

The church setting is the perfect place for recovery. Learn how to set up a Disciples In Motion weekend visit with Tim. It includes many different opportunities for mental health trainings in the church setting. Click here for more information.